9th & M Streets S.E.

Bldg 172- Room 202C

Washington, DC 20374-5075

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

Ref: (a) YM Guide, dtd December 98

(b) Memo from YM Asst National Director, dtd 27 April 99

(c) YM Adult Staff Guide, dtd June 98

1. Young Marine Uniform. In accordance with reference (a), the

official uniform for youth in the Young Marines Program is the woodland pattern camouflage blouse, trousers, khaki web belt, boots, cover and white T-shirt. This uniform is required for all Young Marine events above the Unit level. The uniform will be worn as follows:

a. Camouflage Blouse. Worn with Young Marine breast pocket

patch worn centered above the left breast pocket, 1/8-inch above the pocket, (see figure 1). The Young Marine shoulder patch is worn on the left sleeve with the Unit designation arc centered above the patch, on the shoulder seam, (see figure 2).

pockets. Nametapes will be sewn over the right rear pocket of the trousers, centered and flush over the top seam.

c. Khaki Web Belt. Worn with brass buckle. Either Marine Corps style buckle or anodized buckles are authorized. Green or black

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

cargo type belts are also authorized except during formal inspections.

d. Boots. The standard black leather or black hot weather tropical (jungle) combat boots for wear with the utility uniform will be worn. Old-style black combat boots (with eyelet lacing) or green hot weather tropical (jungle) boots may also be worn. All Young Marines within the Unit should wear the same color boot. Whenever possible, boots should be kept polished with a high shine on the toes and heels. Black or green socks will be worn with the boots.

e. Covers. The woodland style camouflage utility cap may be worn with any authorized style camouflage uniform. The cap will be machine or hand laundered in warm water. It may be starched or sized but may not be bleached.

10. White T-shirts. Will be worn with the camouflage uniform.

Unit Commanders should pay particular attention to times when the camouflage blouse is removed to expose the white t-shirt.

In order to protect the dignity of our female members, the

camouflage blouse should never be removed if participating in events where water is involved i.e., water tag, working parties, inclement weather, etc. During these type events, the white t-shirt can become transparent, potentially leading to unnecessary embarrassment or harassment.

g. Ribbons. Ribbons are worn so that the lowest row of ribbons is 1/8-inch above the left breast pocket patch and centered. Ribbons are worn in the order of precedence as established in the Young Marine Awards Manual. They are preferably worn in rows of three, (see figure 3). However, they may also be worn in rows of four. Ribbons that become soiled or faded should be replaced.

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

h. Nametape. An olive drab nametape is worn centered over the right pocket, flush to the pocket seam and flush to the edges of the pocket.

blouse, khaki shirt or field jacket. They are placed vertically with the single point up and center of the insignia on a line bisecting the angle of the point of the collar. The lower outside edges of the chevron are placed 1/2 inch from the edge of the collar. During events above the Unit level, Young Marines should wear chevrons on their camouflage cover. The chevron will be centered top to bottom, left to right on the front of the cover.

10. Each Unit should have a Unit T-shirt with the Unit name and

the Young Marine designation imprinted on the shirt. Colors may vary. These T-shirts should be part of each Young Marines PT uniform. They may also be worn for activities and functions where the camouflage uniform is inappropriate, for example, car washes, certain community Service projects, etc. It is a Young Marine's responsibility to keep his uniform clean and neatly pressed at all times. All Young Marines are expected to keep themselves clean and well groomed whether in uniform or not.

1. Adult Staff Members.

10. Active Duty Staff. In accordance with reference (a),

active duty military personnel are authorized to wear any of

the appropriate Service or Dress Uniforms (Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie) for Young Marine events. Camouflage utilities may also be authorized. When in any of the uniforms listed above,

personnel will wear their active duty rank insignia. Active duty personnel will not wear either of the Young Marine Collar Devices in lieu of their active duty rank insignia. These rules also apply to military members serving in the active or inactive Reserves and retirees.

10. Civilian Staff. If a civilian is serving in an Instructor

billet i.e., Platoon Commander/Advisor, Drill Instructor, etc. they are authorized to wear the camouflage uniform. Former Marines will wear the anodized brass-collar emblem (with silver Eagle, Globe and Anchor attached) designated for Marine Adult staff. Active, former, and retired Marines may also wear the

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

(Figure 4) (Figure 5) (Figure 6)

the Marine Corps emblem are Active Duty, Reserves, or former Marines. This also applies to retirees, medical discharge, and all other discharges under honorable conditions. At no time are civilian staff members who were not in the Marine Corps, allowed

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

to wear the Marine Corps emblem. Young Marines are not authorized to wear the Marine Corps emblem.

d. Awards/Ribbons. In accordance with reference (c), Adult

staff members are not authorized to wear Young Marine awards.

Ribbons for Young Marine Adult staff members have been discontinued and are no longer authorized for wear.

e. Campaign Cover. The wearing of the Campaign cover or "Smoky" is strictly prohibited for all personnel. This is

regardless of past status as a former USMC Drill Instructor or other Service equivalent.

3. In accordance with reference (c), personal appearance standards will adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Adult Staff Members.

groomed i.e., haircuts, shave, etc. Adult personnel are not authorized to wear beards when in uniform. Adult personnel having beards should be placed on Support Staff status and not as an Instructor who has direct interface with the Young Marines.

(2) Earrings are not allowed for male adult personnel at any time. The only jewelry permitted, when in uniform, is watches, wedding bands, medical bracelets, or religious medallions. Female adult personnel will not wear earrings in the camouflage uniform.

b. Male Young Marines.

1. Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. Hair will be

short enough so that it does not touch the ears or hang on the nape of the neck. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended on the upper portion of the head. Head hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of uniform headgear. Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of length. Male Young Marines are not authorized to wear braids nor to have eccentric designs cut in their hair.

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

2. Beards are unauthorized. However, mustaches and

sideburns may be worn, as long as they conform to current Marine Corps grooming standards. When worn, the mustache will be neatly

trimmed and must not extend beyond the length of the upper lip. The individual length of a mustache hair fully extended must not

exceed 1/2 inch. Except for a mustache, sideburns, eyebrows, and

eyelashes; hair may be grown on the face only when a medical officer has determined that shaving is temporarily harmful to the individual Young Marine’s health. Sideburns will not extend below the top of the orifice of the ear. Sideburns will not be

styled to taper or flare. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.

(3) The only jewelry permitted is watches, medical items,

and religious medallions.

c. Female Young Marines.

collar's lower edge. Hair that would fall naturally below the collar's lower edge will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned. During physical training periods in which physical training clothing is worn, hair will be allowed to fall naturally, without being fastened or pinned. This does
not apply when conducting physical training in the utility uniform.

      (2) Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of the uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hairstyles, which do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner, are prohibited.

      (3) Faddish and exaggerated styles to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs in the hair, unsecured ponytails and styles which are distinctly
unbalanced or lopsided are prohibited. Multiple braiding and buns

are authorized. If hair extensions are used in the braiding of the hair, the extensions must have the same general appearance

as the individual's natural hair. Braided hairstyles will be conservative, and conform to other guidelines listed herein.

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

(4) Barrettes, combs, rubber bands, etc. are authorized, if concealed by the hair. Inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins, if required, are authorized. Hairnets will not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty.

will complement the individual's complexion tone. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn. Non-eccentric lipstick and nail polish colors, to include colorless nail polish, may be worn with all uniforms. Fingernails with multiple colors and decorative ornamentation are prohibited. Nail length will be no longer than 1/4 inch from the tip of the finger.

6. The only jewelry permitted are watches, religious

medallions or medical items. Small, polished, yellow gold color, ball, or round stud earrings, (post, screw-on, or clip), not to

exceed six millimeters (about 1/4 inch) in diameter, may be worn with the Service uniform. When worn, earrings will fit tightly

against, and will not extend below, the earlobe. Only one earring will be worn on or in each earlobe. Earrings will not

be worn with the utility uniform, nor will they be worn in formation, or while participating in a parade, ceremony, or other similar military functions.

5. Service Uniforms and Optional Equipment. Young Marines are authorized to wear other uniforms and equipment to include Marine Corps Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie uniforms. However, they

are not authorized to wear the Dress Blue Uniform.

1. Alpha Uniform. Includes the Service coat and trousers,

long sleeve shirt and tie. Females may wear either the long or short sleeve khaki shirt and green neck tab with this uniform. Young Marines disc insignia will be worn on the collar of the Service coat.

2. Bravo Uniform. Includes the Service trousers, long

sleeve shirt and tie. It is the same as the Alpha uniform except that the Service coat is not worn. May be prescribed by the Unit commander for formations, parades or ceremonies. This uniform should not be worn for formal or semi-formal social events.

 

 

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

3. Charlie Uniform. Includes the short sleeve khaki shirt

with appropriate service trousers or skirt/slacks. This uniform may be worn at parades or ceremonies.

4. Service Sweater. May be worn at the individual's option

as a component of the Service Bravo or Charlie uniforms. May also be worn under the camouflage uniform.

5. Tanker Jacket. May be worn at the individual’s option

as a component of the Service Bravo or Charlie uniforms. When worn the jacket will be zipped at least to the top (i.e., the highest point) of the external slash pockets. When worn with the sweater, the sleeves and the waistband of the sweater will be rolled up or under to ensure they do not extend below the jacket's sleeves/waistband. The tanker jacket will not be worn with nametapes. However, the Young Marine shoulder patch and Unit arc should be worn below the left shoulder seam. Plastic or metal chevrons are to be worn on the shoulder straps. The single point will be inboard and placed so that it is an equal distance

from the front and rear edges of the shoulder straps with the lowest point of the insignia's outer edge 3/4 inch from the armhole seam.


6. Field Jacket. Is intended for wear with the utility

uniform. When issued, it should be the principal outer garment worn with utilities. The wearing of nametapes on the field jacket will be at the discretion of the Unit Commander. However, the Young Marine shoulder patch and Unit arc should be worn below the left shoulder seam. The camouflage gortex field jacket is also authorized for wear. When wearing the gortex field jacket the Young Marine shoulder patch and Unit arc should be worn below the left shoulder seam

7. Service or Garrison Cover. Should be worn with Service

uniforms. Young Marines disc insignia will be worn on the cover.

8. Tie Clasp. May be gold plated or anodized. The Marine

Corps tie clasp, Officer or Enlisted type, may not be worn.

9. All Weather Coat (AWC). The AWC may be worn with the

Service or Camouflage uniforms. It may be worn with or without the liner at the individual's option. Plastic or metal chevrons are to be worn vertically, on each side of the collar with the single point up and the center of the insignia on a line

Subj: YOUNG MARINE POLICY MEMO # 001; UNIFORM REGULATIONS

FOR YOUNG MARINES AND ADULT STAFF MEMBERS

bisecting the angle of the point of the collar. The lower outside edge of the insignia will be equally spaced 1/2 inch

from both sides of the collar. The AWC will not be worn with nametapes. However, the Young Marine shoulder patch and Unit arc should be worn below the left shoulder seam.

10. Scarf. Young Marines may wear the green wool scarf when

the AWC, Tanker Jacket or Field Jacket is worn with the Service or Utility uniform. When worn, the scarf will overlap to form a "V" at the base of the throat, hiding the garment beneath.


11. Gloves. Young Marines may wear or carry black leather,

vinyl, clothe or knit gloves with the Service or Utility uniform.

l. Shoes. Young Marines may purchase and wear approved commercial black leather and synthetic leather shoes in semi-gloss or high gloss (patent) finish. Double/platform soles or heels or metal heel or toe plates are prohibited.

6. Uniform Marking.

1. Web Belt. On one side only, near the buckle end.
2. Cover. Inside on the sweatband.
3. Blouse. Inside on the neckband.
4. Drawers. Outside below the waistband, near the front.
5. Gloves Inside at the wrist.
6. Necktie. On the inside of the neck loop.
7. Dress Shirts and Undershirts. Inside back, on neckband.
8. Shoes/Boots. Inside near the top.
9. Socks. Outside on top of the foot.
10. Sweater. Stamped on manufacturing label or use marking

tape/label sewed on inside the back of sweater, below the neckband, with thread to match the sweater.

11. Trousers; Skirts; Slacks. Inside near the top.

l. PT Shorts. Inside immediately below the waistband.

12. Bag, Duffel. On the outside of the bottom of the bag.

7. This Young Marine Policy Memo is effective 01 March 2001 and will remain in effect until either cancelled or updated.

M. B. Kessler